[6] The characteristic presentation of tumid lupus erythematosus is erythematous, edematous plaques that lack ulceration or scaling.
A Blaschkoid distribution,[9][10] scalp involvement resembling alopecia areata,[11] and periorbital edema are less frequent signs of tumid lupus erythematosus.
[16] There has been evidence of a correlation between smoking and medications such as thiazide diuretics, monoclonal antibodies, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, tumor necrosis factor antagonists, and highly active antiretroviral therapy.
Provocative phototesting results and antimalarial medication response are additional tests that are not usually required but can confirm a diagnosis of tumid lupus erythematosus.
Antimalarial medications like hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine should be used as part of a systemic treatment for patients who do not respond to conservative therapy or who have a severe illness.
[21] In order to keep the lesions from relapsing in these patients, trigger avoidance measures including wearing sunscreen and abstaining from smoking are essential.